New Zealand Maintains Top Spot as World's Largest Dairy Exporter
New Zealand's dairy industry has solidified its position as the world's largest single-country dairy exporter, according to Rabobank's 2026 World Dairy Map. The report confirms that New Zealand accounted for 22.1% of global dairy exports in 2025, maintaining its top spot.
Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins noted that while overall dairy trade grew by 11% from 2017 to 2025, New Zealand's market share has dropped slightly due to the EU bloc's decline in export share. However, she emphasized that New Zealand remains a significant contributor to global dairy exports.
The report highlights the importance of New Zealand's dairy sector to the country's economy. Waikato Federated Farmers chair Matthew Zonderop stated, 'This is a genuinely positive story for New Zealand.' He noted that the benefits of the dairy industry extend beyond the farm gate, providing income for rural communities and businesses.